League Report: UCD 1 - 0 Cork City

Patrick O’Connor reports from the UCD Bowl

UCD recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Cork City in Belfield on Friday night following a very dominant first half performance but they did have to withstand a second half onslaught from City before claiming all three points.

The students are guaranteed a promotion play-off spot with two games still the play so their immediate ambitions have been realized. They will need to play well over the course of the full 90 minutes however if they are to negotiate the play -off series of games and deliver their next objective of playing in the Premier Division next season.

Cork City meanwhile will be at a loss to explain their first half performance as they were second best to UCD in all facets of play and can count themselves lucky not to be further behind at half time.

The triple substitutions made by Colin Healy at the break certainly had an impact as they were much improved in the second period without ever convincing that they were as a cohesive an outfit as UCD.

The game started fairly evenly with both sides funnelling a lot of their attacks down the right wing, Cian Bargary was doing well against Evan Osam without there being much end product while Liam Kerrigan was well marshalled by Ronan Hurley at the other end of the pitch.

The students gradually took control of the game however with Sean Brennan of UCD especially becoming the dominant figure in the midfield sector.

They had numerous free kicks and corners during their period of dominance but through a combination of wayward shooting and some resolute defending were unable to make the breakthrough.

Their sharpness finally paid off just before half time when they were awarded a penalty. Some hesitancy in the Cork defence allowed Brennan through on goal and goalkeeper David Harrington, as the last defender, took him down while tyring to divert the ball from his feet.

Referee Alan Patchell was in no doubt about the outcome as he pointed to the penalty spot immediately, UCD’s leading scorer Colm Whelan slotting home the free kick with confidence.

In truth UCD should have been further ahead at the break given their overall performance, the fact they it was only a single goal lead gave the visitors some chance of redeeming themselves in the second half.

City’s manager Colin Healy introduced Gordon Walker, Alec Byrne and Dylan McGlade on the resumption and these changes coupled with a more focussed approach meant that they were much improved in the second period.

Aaron Bolger became more prominent in midfield, Walker got forward a lot from his right back position and Cian Murphy worked tirelessly for an equaliser despite a fairly erratic service from his midfielders.

They did create a number of half chances with McGlade often the instigator of these but more often than not there was no end result and Lorcan Healy was not really tested during City’s period on top.

City introduced another striker in Darragh Crowley in the 70^th minute, and while he also made some impact, they did not have the guile to create any more real chances from open play and were reliant on set pieces to try to force an equaliser.

City will be disappointed they are not finishing the season on a higher note, they now have five points out of a possible twelve in their last four outings and will be looking to put some gloss on the season when facing Galway Utd in Turners Cross on Oct 29^th, their last match of the season.

UCD meanwhile seem in good health with a strong panel of players and a very cohesive approach on the pitch, they will now face into the play offs with a high degree of confidence.

UCD: Lorcan Healy (gk), Michael Gallagher, Sam Todd ©, Harvey O Brien, Evan Osam, Liam Kerrigan, Jack Keaney , Adam Verdon ( Dara Keane ,70), Sean Brennan, Colm Whelan, Evan Caffrey.

Subs not used: Carl Williams (gk); Eoin Farrell, Ciaran Behan, Luke Boore, Danu Kinsella Bishop, Adam Lennon, Lennon Gill, Matthew Scott.

Booked: Jack Keaney (73), Harvey O’ Brien (80).

Cork City: David Harrington (gk); Josh Honahan (Gordon Walker, 46) Ronan Hurley, Cian Coleman, Jonas Hakinnen, Barry Coffey, Gearoid Morrissey, Aaron Bolger, Cian Murphy, Cian Bargary, Sean Kennedy.

Subs not used: Mark McNulty (gk); Paul Hunt (gk); Steven Beattie, Dale Holland, Beineon O’Brien-Whitmarsh.

Booked: Barry Coffey (35)

Referee: Alan Patchell.

Extratime.com Player of the Match: Sean Brennan (UCD).